Is Trindon Holliday worth the risk?
“The chances of a bobble or fumble are greater than those of a score each and every time. That’s somewhat acceptable during the regular season. As we approach a very important postseason, can the Broncos really afford such a liability?”
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I absolutely loved Trindon Holliday last season. He was the Broncos little rabbits’ foot.
Holliday was released by the Texans and immediately signed to Denver on October 11, 2012. Sure, he fumbled in his first game as a Bronco-maybe we should have all taken notice of the problem then- however went on to become a solid returner for the Broncos for the rest of the season.
Coming over from Houston, Holliday did not lose a game in the 2012 season, and it was not until this season’s matchup against the Colts that he suffered his first defeat as a Bronco. Holliday ignited a spark in the special teams unit and presented an opportunity to take one to the house each and every time he was back to receive the ball.
This season has gone a bit differently.
Holliday has not taken one back in 11 games and his bobbling hands are a huge cause for concern. As fans, we all gasp and cross everything including our toes as he stands back there waiting to receive the ball. I’m sure the collective “hold on to the ball” can be heard echoing off the Rocky Mountains for miles and miles every Sunday when he fields it.
Is the risk worth it?
Some argue that the utter possibility of a thrilling return for touchdown that Holliday brings to the table makes him worth the heart palpitations he creates. To be fair, statistically more of his fumbles are self- recovered than those given up to the opposition. Through 16 weeks of the 2013 season, Holliday has coughed it up five times, losing possession for the Broncos only twice.
The chances of a bobble or fumble are greater than those of a score each and every time. That’s somewhat acceptable during the regular season. As we approach a very important postseason, can the Broncos really afford such a liability?
With every possession of the utmost importance and each game being a must-win scenario, it’s just too risky for my liking. While I am not saying to cast Holliday to the wolves, I do think a more limited role is in order, perhaps as solely a kick returner.
With all the other random distractions and hits this Bronco team has taken so far in 2013, the problem of coughing the ball up on special teams has been somewhat minor. Moving forward, that wiggle room is gone and it’s time to tighten it all up.
Eliminating what has become the normal angst each time Holliday is back to receive the ball would do wonders for the psyche of the fan base, and probably the team as a whole.
The Broncos need all the clarity and focus they can get moving forward.
